The Prado Museum in Madrid has closed due to coronavirus (Covid-19), along with other state-run museums in the capital, including the Museo Reina Sofia and the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza. There are currently more than 2,770 coronavirus cases reported in Spain with 64 deaths.
In a tweet, the Spanish culture ministry said: “The Spanish film archive, museums and archives [supported by the] Ministry of Culture and Sports, located in Madrid, temporarily suspend their activities for public benefit.” An accompanying image highlights that the measure takes effect from 12 March until further notice.
In Barcelona, officials at the basilica of La Sagrada Familia “will reduce the capacity of the Temple to a maximum of 1,000 visitors at a time, as per the instructions given this morning by the government of Catalonia”. Meanwhile, a spokeswoman at the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (Macba) tells us: “We’re staying open for now.”
In Bilbao, the Guggenheim Museum has not closed. “The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao remains open to visitors who want to spend a pleasant time surrounded by art,” says the gallery website, though the public will be notified of any new measures as this is “a rapidly evolving situation”.
